Whatcom County Health Care Guide 2014

Whatcom County Health Care Guide 2014

June 25, 2014
Whatcom County
Health Care Guide
A special publication prepared by the Lynden Tribune and Ferndale Record
Dear Reader, The 2014 Whatcom County Health Care Guide contains a question-and-answer forum supplied by local health care providers. The Lynden Tribune and Ferndale Record have joined in obtaining the information available in this magazine. This medical guide should not be used as a substitute for advice from a medical professional, but it may help people learn how to seek advice and from whom. This directory provides general information and is not intended to replace your own doctorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s advice. Enjoy your reading! Thank you, Lynden Tribune & Ferndale Record
Health Care Guide - June 2014 â&#x20AC;˘ Lynden Tribune & Ferndale Record
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PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center
How to have a safe summer
Summer is the ultimate laid-back time—think flip-flops, T-shirts and barbecues.
Although it’s easy to be casual about many things in the summer, it’s not good to be casual about safety. With warm weather comes the risk for certain injuries and health problems—some serious enough to be life-threatening. Here are some suggestions on how to keep you and your family safe so you can enjoy lots of summer fun this season: • Pollen allergy. Pollen is a major trigger for hay fever (allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis) as well as asthma and in some cases allergic skin conditions like eczema and hives. Seasonal pollens come from 3 sources: trees, grasses and weeds. Some people with allergies may be sensitive to all of these while others are only affected by one type. Because plants vary from region to region, the Northwest has a unique set of pollens. In our region, trees pollinate March & April, grasses pollinate May – July, weeds pollinate late June through the end of summer. Warm, sunny and windy conditions favor pollen dispersal where rainy damp conditions decrease pollen counts. Living in the county increases exposure to pollen. If pollen exposure affects your health, consider simple ways to decrease exposure including wearing sun glasses when outdoors, removing pollen contaminated clothing upon entering the home, showering and rinsing off skin and hair when coming indoors (family members and pets too), using air conditioning when traveling in cars. If these are not sufficient, medical treatment is available, so discuss further with your primary care physician or allergist. • Know the signs of anaphylaxis. This potentially deadly allergic reaction is commonly triggered by certain foods, insect stings, medications and, for some, high exposure to airborne allergens like pollens. Symptoms generally include a skin rash (flushing, itching, hives or swelling) with sudden change in breathing (severe cough, wheezing or struggling to breath) and/or lightheadedness or losing consciousness. Anaphylaxis requires immediate medical attention, including an injection of the drug epinephrine and a trip to the hospital emergency department. Early recognition and prompt treatment saves lives. For those with a history of these symptoms, carrying injectable epinephrine is critical. • Secure home windows. Opening the windows is a must if you don’t have air conditioning or if you’re simply trying to keep your electric bill in check. But keep this in mind if children are in your home: every year thousands of kids in the U.S. are killed or injured in falls from windows. You can’t depend on screens to keep children safe. Your best choice is to install window guards or window stops—especially on
Continued on page 4
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Lynden Tribune & Ferndale Record • Health Care Guide - June 2014
Lynden Family Physical Therapy
What happens at a Physical Therapy visit?
Evaluation: At your first visit, a Physical Therapist will evaluate your condition based on your history, physical measures, and special tests. A physical therapy diagnosis will be made and explained to you, goals will be set, and a treatment plan will be established. If a physician recommended your physical therapy, we will send a report to your physician summarizing your assessment, goals and plan. Every 30 days, we will update your physician with a report of your progress. Exercise: Almost every physical therapy visit involves exercise that is specifically designed for your diagnosis. Depending on your evaluation, your exercises will help to improve flexibility, strength, endurance, balance or coordination. Manual Therapy: Manual therapy is a general term for treatment using a therapist’s hands. This may include massage or joint mobilizations. The goals of manual therapy are to reduce pain, increase motion at a particular joint or relax muscles. Education: Physical therapy often involves education including how to complete your home exercise program and how to avoid re-injury. Vestibular rehabilitation: Vestibular rehabilitation involves improving your inner ear’s response to changes in position. These patients are frequently referred to our clinic due to vertigo or balance problems. ACL tear prevention: ACL tears are extremely common in high school aged athletes. The vast majority of these injuries are now thought to be preventable. Studies have shown a 400% decrease in the incidence of ACL tears using appropriate preventative measures. We are now able to predict and prevent most of these season ending injuries. Bracing/Orthotic fabrication: Orthotics can be a helpful tool in relieving pain and preventing dysfunction at the foot, ankle and knee. When appropriate, we assess and measure patients for orthotics to help control the body from the ground up. Graston: Graston Technique is a unique form of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization that allows for improved diagnosis and treatment of many difficult musculoskeletal conditions. Our staff is 100% Graston Technique certified.
Health Care Guide - June 2014 • Lynden Tribune & Ferndale Record
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PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center
Continued from page 2
bedroom windows. You can buy them online or at hardware stores. Also, try to keep furniture away from windows to discourage kids from climbing near windows. • Make helmets a priority. Many kids practically live on their bikes during the summer. Before yours hop on theirs, make sure they’re wearing a helmet. (The same advice applies to you.) Helmets help reduce the risk of head injury—such as concussion and other traumatic brain injuries—and of death from bicycle crashes. Helmets are also a good idea when riding a horse or skateboard, batting or running bases in baseball or softball, or using inline skates.
Asthma/Allergy PeaceHealth Medical Group-Whatcom 4545 Cordata Parkway, Suite 1C Bellingham, WA 98226 360-738-2200 Sally Newbrough, MD is a board-certified internal medicine doctor specializing in allergy and immunology. She earned her MD at University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, completed her internship and residency at Yale New Haven Hospital, and her allergy/immunology fellowship at University of Washington School of Medicine. Q: My daughter sometimes gets dizzy and says she sees stars. What is causing this and what can I do to help? A: When no other symptoms are present, dizziness and seeing stars are often signs of a migraine headache. Parents tend to associate most of their children’s headaches with a cold or flu, but studies indicate that migraines and tension headaches are quite common in children and adolescents. Other symptoms of migraines include throbbing pain in the head; stomachaches; nausea; and sensitivity to light, noise, and smells. If you suspect that your child is having a migraine, help ease the pain by having her rest quietly in a dark room and relax. Often children with migraines will feel better with rest and sleep. Seek immediate medical care if your child has headaches after a recent fall or blow to the head or if your child can’t keep food or liquids down. If you child’s headaches last longer than one or two days, wake her from sleep, or get worse, consider having your child evaluated by a specialist if the symptoms continue.
Sally Newbrough, MD
Seema J. Afridi, MD
Pediatric Neurology PeaceHealth Medical Group-Whatcom 710 Birchwood Ave. Bellingham, WA 98225 360-788-6870 Seema J. Afridi, MD is a board-certified neurologist who specializes in pediatric neurology. She received her medical degree from Southern Illinois University, her pediatric internship and residency at University of Washington, and her neurology residency at University of Washington.
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Lynden Tribune & Ferndale Record • Health Care Guide - June 2014
Senior Lifestyle Services
The freedom to remain independent as we get older is essential to maintaining a happy and healthy life. But life happens and sometimes we need to adjust - that may mean how and where we live. Most people want to stay in their homes as they age. Aging in place is much more than being in an environment of choice as you get older, it means home – where your emotional and functional needs are met. It is where family histories are created and memories reside. Your home contains so many reminders that delight the senses and support your identity. Your home is in a community you have cultivated over the years. It is where you live. Let us help you stay there. Senior Lifestyle Services offers in-home care to seniors. It can be short term if you or a loved one need(s) help after a hospital stay or an injury. It can be long term if someone needs assistance with the activities of daily living. We take great care in selecting our caregivers. We put them through a rigorous hiring process – State of Washington background check, relevant work experience, reference checks, work authorization clearance, clean driving record. Our caregivers are licensed, bonded, and insured. We take the time so you don’t have to.
We understand that the essence of home is a place where you can feel safe and have the ability to control and enjoy your experiences and rich memories. It’s the center of those daily rituals you love so much. It is where you live and where you plan to stay. Let us help you! Senior Lifestyle Services, a Washington State licensed in-home care agency, can help you maintain your independence and remain in your home by providing services where you live and when you need them. We offer a variety of full time or part time care and can tailor it to meet your needs.
• Personal Care • Companion Services • Medication Reminders & Assistance • Alzheimer’s or Dementia Care • Respite Care for Family Caregivers • Transportation • Errands / Shopping / Doctor Visits • Meal Preparation • Light Housekeeping ...and more!
360.393.8363
Call Paula Casey for a FREE consultation!
SeniorLifestyleServicesWA.com
Serving all of Whatcom County and these 55+ retirement communities:
Health Care Guide - June 2014 • Lynden Tribune & Ferndale Record
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Lynden Manor
What is Lynden Manor? • Lynden Manor is an Assisted-Living retirement home. • Residents are as independent as they want to be. • Meals are provided restaurant style for the residents in a common dining room. • Apartments are cleaned weekly. • An assortment of activities are offered and available on a daily basis. • Residents have access to licensed nursing staff 24 hours a day. • Lynden Manor has a separate Dementia care wing. Why Lynden Manor? • Lynden Manor is Independent, Assisted and Dementia care all in one. • Privately owned by a local partnership. • Highly recommended by local physicians. • Excellent Reputation in Whatcom County. • Next door to Christian Health Care Center, a skilled nursing facility with a rehabilitation department.
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Lynden Tribune & Ferndale Record • Health Care Guide - June 2014
Good Samaritan Society - Stafholt Bellingham Denture
“Everyone went out of their way to help me. It really was exceptional care by exceptional people. No matter what the problem was - I was never ignored. I spent three weeks at a different facility in Bellingham and I can tell you the experience at Stafholt was as different as night and day! The little things at Stafholt make it so nice - beautiful flowers, friendly staff, comfortable rooms, excellent food. Go to Stafholt if you are recovering from a surgery - you won’t regret it!” -Sally Coulthurst, Bellingham, WA
When should dentures be replaced? Every five to 10 years. The oral structures in our mouths change continuously; when a denture becomes worn and ill-fitting, damage can occur to gums and tissues. Appearance is affected when an old denture causes the facial structures to look very flat and worn – referred to as “over-closure”.
How will implants help me? Dental implants can increase fit and biting force by up to 300% and help rid denture wearers of the struggle of loose, ill-fitting dentures. Dentures attached to implants improve quality of life by increase in function, improved speech, and ability to chew. Call 647.0395 for a Consultation (no charge).
G
ood Samaritan Society-Stafholt, Post-Acute Rehabilitation Services.
Would you like your
Denture implants may be more than you think.
Our outstanding caregivers work tirelessly every day to deliver exceptional care.
456 C Street, Blaine, WA 98230
• Precision Dentures • Partial Dentures - Cast Metal, Resin & Flexible • Implant-Supported Dentures • Repairs, Relines & Soft Liners • Emergency & New Patients Always Welcome Clayton Sulek, Licensed Denturist Since 1986
www.good-sam.com
360-332-8733
Free Consultations & Evaluations
www.bellinghamdentureclinic.com
Serving Whatcom County for more than 50 years.
360.647.0395
1610 Grover St. Ste. B9 • Lynden 2003 N. State St. Ste B • Bellingham
Health Care Guide - June 2014 • Lynden Tribune & Ferndale Record
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Lynden Family Medicine
When is my blood pressure too high? High blood pressure is a risk factor for strokes and heart attacks. For adults from 20 to 65 the top number (systolic) really should be below 135 mmHg. The bottom number (diastolic) should be under 85 mmHg. Can I lower my blood pressure without medicine? Lifestyle can influence blood pressures. Limiting salt in the diet, regular modest exercise and limiting the consumption of alcohol and caffeine can be helpful and should be tried. If blood pressures are repeatedly elevated, it is important to consult your health care provider regarding this risk factor.
We Take Care
Steve Alexander, MD Hannah Bujak, MD Oliver Bujak, MD Margaret Burden, MD Robin Caldwell, MD Karen Goodman, ARNP John Gunningham, MD Larry Hartwell, MD John Hiemstra, DO Bruce Pederson, MD Teresa Reiger, ARNP Sarah Stewart, ARNP
Family Care Network
Lynden Family Medicine and Birch Bay Family Medicine are dedicated to meeting the medical needs of the north Whatcom County community. The Physicians are all Diplomats of the American Board of Family Medicine, and our Nurse Practitioners are nationally certified in the specialty of family medicine. As family physicians and practitioners, they serve people in several areas of expertise, including pregnancy care, women’s health care, health care for children, adult medicine, care of the elderly and minor surgery. We are two local clinics making community connections for compassionate and coordinated care. For more information about Family Care Network clinics and locations visit familycarenetwork.com.
1610 Grover Street, Suite D-1, Lynden • (360) 354-1333
Lynden Family Medicine
Birch Bay Family Medicine
8097 Harborview Rd., Blaine • (360) 371-5855
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Lynden Tribune & Ferndale Record • Health Care Guide - June 2014
United Way of Whatcom County
What community-wide goals is United Way of Whatcom County focusing on in the area of Health? 1. Ensuring healthy and active living 2. Increasing health care access and prevention 3. Increasing safety so that people avoid/recover from the effects of violence/abuse United Way is solving crucial community issues right here in Whatcom County by working with a variety of partners and focusing on a number of strategies to ensure a healthy community for all. How can I receive a discount on prescription drugs? Through United Way’s partnership with FamilyWize you could save up to 75% on your prescriptions. Just cut out the Prescription Discount Card on this page, take it to a participating pharmacy (over 60,000 participating pharmacies nationwide!), and use it over and over again. No sign-up or activation required. More than 9,000 Whatcom County residents have already saved more than $830,000 on prescription costs.
United Way of Whatcom County
unitedwaywhatcom.org
WE ALL WIN WHEN
KIDS AND ADULTS
ARE LIVING
ACTIVE LIVES
HEALTHY AND
United Way is working here in Whatcom County to increase healthy and active living for all. By supporting programs & using strategies to increase physical activity and enhance healthy options, we are building a stronger community. That’s what it means to LIVE UNITED!
Health Care Guide - June 2014 • Lynden Tribune & Ferndale Record
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Visiting Angels
My parents are at the point of needing help in their home. This is new and uncharted territory for us. How do you go about finding caregivers to work with people like my parents? We know that this is a difficult decision to make. We approach this as if it were our home and our parents. In our hiring process we first look for caregivers that have the compassion and skill to do the job. They must have the heart to care like family and the knowledge and ability to give the care. Secondly, caregivers must be dependable. Their dependability has a domino effect, they must show up and be on time! Life has enough challenges without you having to worry about help that doesn’t arrive on time. Finally, a caregiver must be trustworthy. Having someone new in your home can be scary. That all sounds great. But how do you assure that this is true about your caregivers? At Visiting Angels we not only value these things, we actually test for them. We are the only ones in our area to use a nationally recognized Caregiver Assessment tool that measures for a caregiver’s ability to work well one-on-one, and measures their character for reliability and trustworthiness. And for your peace of mind, we assign a specific Case Manager to meet with you and your family, to get to know them, and the client’s needs. That same Case Manager introduces our caregivers to you on the first visit, as well as monitors the ongoing care.
“W e m easu
th e li y b s s e c c re o u r su
e
in-home consultation
Call for a FREE
v es w e to u ch .”
• On call 24/7 • Personalized case-by-case care • You choose your care giver • All levels of care • 1 to 24 hours of care • Comprehensive Caregiver Screening & Testing
Mount Vernon Ofﬁce
1222 Riverside Dr. 4213 Rural Ave. (360) 424-6777 (360) 671-8388 Everett Ofﬁce Toll Free 866-522-6435 2532 Wetmore Toll Free 888-264-3528 (425) 348-9914 Toll Free 866-348-9914
Bellingham Ofﬁce
We serve Whatcom, Skagit, San Juan, Island & Snohomish Counties
Visit our website at www.VisitingAngelsWA.com
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Lynden Tribune & Ferndale Record • Health Care Guide - June 2014
Lamphere Insurance, Financial & Estate Planning
Who will take care of me when I need Long Term Medical Care? Who will pay for my Long Term Care bills? With our longer life expectancies, we are now experiencing a new kind of health crisis in our country. An individual will now have a greater than 50% chance of needing some form of help with their physical and mental long term health care needs. Without the proper pre planning for the occurrence of this likely event, the results can be devastating to both the person in need of the care as well as their family members, negatively impacting the lives of their loved ones. People often think that Medicare and Medicaid will pay for their long term care expenses. But, the truth of the matter is, Medicare was never intended to pay for this type of care. The Medicaid program is designed to help the poor pay for long term care in a facility only. And since most people want to stay at home as long as they can, Medicaid, if a person qualifies, would defeat that purpose. Planning ahead provides alternatives which can allow you to keep full control of your health care needs while simultaneously protecting your assets. With the ratio of taxpayers to each person on Medicaid equaling 2-to-1 (Kaiser 4/11), it is very risky to trust that Medicaid services will be available when needed. A solution to this social and stressful family epidemic is to plan ahead, by using a Financial Advisor who is well versed in both the financial and insurance side of this issue. If you have any question or would like to make an appointment with a professional, feel free to give us a call.
Simplify Your Life!
Your
• Insurance & Financial Consolidation • Medicare Plans • Long-Term Care • Retirement • Special Needs
™
Our Local, Experienced Team offers Personal Service for:
• Estate Planning • Pre-Retirement • 401K Rollovers • Charitable Giving • Final Expenses
BABY BOOMERS & SENIORS
-time Resource for
113 Third Street • Lynden
Neither LIFE Planning, nor their employees are associated with the US Government or the Medicare program.
Call us today!
354-5333
Health Care Guide - June 2014 • Lynden Tribune & Ferndale Record
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WHATCOM COUNTY Retirement Centers, Adult Family Homes, In-home Care & Assisted Living
Emeritus at Fairhaven
We o er: Personalized Care & Services, Medication Assistance & Respite Care. We are passionately committed to making a di erence in people’s lives by providing service of the highest quality and value in a safe, supportive environment, promoting the health, independence and social interaction of seniors. Our Family is Committed to Yours.
www.emeritus.com • Fairhaven-CRD@emeritus.com 2600 Old Fairhaven Pkwy, Bellingham, WA 98225 360-647-1254
e premier Assisted Living Community on the south side.
Conveniently located on the Hannegan Road, between Kelly and Smith Road intersection. Sta ed by nurses and certi ed caregivers, trained in Dementia Care. Cozy setting with a barn, garden and apple trees. Call for a tour!
4952 Hannegan Road, Bellingham, WA 98226 360-933-4728
Sweet Golden Years
Independent and Assisted Living Apartments.
www.meadowgreenslynden.com 301 W. Homestead Blvd., Lynden, WA 98264 360-354-8200
Meadow Greens Lynden Adult Family Home
Lynden Manor is an assisted living residence, designed for seniors who may struggle to live completely on their own, but don’t need the high level of care provided in a nursing home. Home is where your heart is…Make Lynden Manor your home.
905 Aaron Drive, Lynden, WA 98264 360-354-5985
Assisted Living and Dementia Care Wing
Lynden Manor
Bring your loved one to a home with family atmosphere and professional care. Specializing in Dementia and Alzheimers care.
1772 Eastwood Way, Lynden, WA 98264 Call Lana for more information. www.LyndenAFH.com 360-393-9222
We oﬀer on call 24/7 personalized case by case care. From 1-24 hours of all levels of care by a caregiver of your choice. Visit our website at www.visitingangelsWA.com or call our Bellingham oﬃce at 360.671.8388 to set up your free in-home consultation.
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Lynden Tribune & Ferndale Record • Health Care Guide - June 2014
Cascade Prosthetics & Orthotics
Will insurance cover my new orthosis (brace)? Answer: In most cases insurance will cover the orthosis if there is a doctorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s prescription and it is a covered service in your policy. Medicare now requires physicians to write in their chart notes why the orthosis is necessary, what benefit the orthosis will provide, and why it should be custom vs. prefabricated. How often will my prosthesis (artificial limb) need to be replaced? Answer: This depends on many factors such as patients age, activity level, and how recent the amputation occurred. Most prostheses will last 2-5 years with minor adjustments and repairs. There are always components and parts that wear out so patients should see their prosthetist at least once a year.
www.cascadepoclinics.com
P&O_healthcare-guide.indd 2 Health Care Guide - June 2014 â&#x20AC;˘ Lynden Tribune & Ferndale Record
1360 Sunset Avenue, Ferndale, WA 98248 ph: 360.384.1858
17670 Dunbar Road, Mt. Vernon, WA 98273 ph: 360.428.4003
6/4/2014 8:43:53 AM
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Louisa Place
What to do when a parent says I don’t need your help, I can still manage my own affairs? Write down all the questions that you as a family may have, such as: Do you have an updated will, updated healthcare proxy, list of assets and valuables? What kind of insurances do you have? Long term insurance? Also ask about important papers: marriage license, DD214 paper work, safe deposit boxes, birth places, mother’s maiden name, etc. Then sit down with your parents and ask them to help you with the answers so that you may help them if they could not manage their affairs.
Emergency Numbers
Alchohol and Drug Helpline................1-800-562-1240 Arson Reporting Hotline.....................1-800-552-7766 Child Protective Services (DSHS)......... 360-647-6100 Forest Fire Reports.............................1-800-562-6010 Naval Criminal Investigative Service - NCIS...................................1-360-257-3359 Oil Spill Hotline - U.S. Coast Guard Oil Spill Response.............................1-800-424-8802 Poison Info. Center.............................1-800-222-1222 Power Outages...................................1-800-321-4123 Suicide Prevention..............................1-800-273-8255 To Report Drunk Drivers........................ 360-676-2076 U.S. Border Patrol Western WA............ 360-332-8781 Washington State Patrol........................ 360-676-2076 Whatcom County Search & Rescue..... 360-676-6681
Louisa Place
Housekeeping 24/7 Sta ng Activities 3 Great Meals a day Beautiful Courtyard Month to Month Assisted Living Services 39 Roomy Apartments
ST OP BY FO R A TO UR TO DAY!
All-Inclusive Retirement Living at its Best
Free Golf with Cart • Chauffer Car Service • Full Social Calendar 3 Meals Daily in the Outward Nine Restaurant
301 West Homestead Blvd., Lynden
(360) 354-8200
www.meadowgreenslynden.com
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Lynden Tribune & Ferndale Record • Health Care Guide - June 2014
Mount Baker Kidney Center
One in seven Americans will be diagnosed with chronic kidney disease. Currently, 4.4 million have already been diagnosed. At its core, Mount Baker Kidney Center provides state-of-the-art, life-sustaining dialysis treatment and care. The Center provides outpatient dialysis, home hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis and acute dialysis. Professional on-site staff provide clinical, technical, nutritional, social and administrative services as long as patients are under Mount Baker Kidney Centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s care. Onsite nephrologists and staff are devoted to the medical and emotional needs of patients.
Health Care Guide - June 2014 â&#x20AC;˘ Lynden Tribune & Ferndale Record
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Yeh Orthodontics
What are some of the conditions that might indicate my child should be seen by an orthodontist? * Early or late loss of primary teeth * Difficulty in chewing or biting * Mouth breathing * Thumb or finger sucking * Crowded, misplaced, or impacted teeth * Improper fit of jaws * Biting cheeks or biting into the roof of the mouth
Premier Dental
Why are my teeth wearing down on the surfaces and my fillings breaking? I also have jaw joint pain at times. You may be grinding your teeth and have a condition called bruxism. About 15 percent of people have a habit of grinding their teeth or clenching their jaw. Most people do it in their sleep, so it often goes undetected until a family member hears the grinding sound or a dentist notices symptoms. Visit your dentist if you have symptoms and ask about having a night guard made to help this condition before it causes severe damage to the teeth.
L I N H T . V U D . D . S .
COSMETIC &